The No. 20 Illinois Fighting Illini, boasting an impressive record of 10-3 and 1-1 in the Big Ten, will aim to extend their winning streak on the road as they take on the Penn State Nittany Lions, who stand at 9-4 and are still seeking their first conference victory at 0-2. The highly anticipated matchup is scheduled for Saturday, January 3, 2026, at 7 p.m. ET, and will be held at the historic Palestra.
Fans eager to catch the action can tune in via BTN or stream it online through Fubo. For those planning to attend in person, tickets are available through StubHub.
Analyzing the teams, Illinois comes into the game with a robust scoring profile, averaging 88.2 points per game which ranks 32nd in college basketball. Their defensive efforts have also been commendable, allowing only 68.5 points per game. This results in a significant +257 scoring differential, averaging an impressive 19.7 points more than their opponents. The Fighting Illini excel in shooting from beyond the arc, making 10.5 three-pointers per game at a 35.6% success rate.
In contrast, Penn State averages 79.1 points per game, which places them 143rd nationally, but they struggle defensively, giving up 74.3 points per game. Their scoring differential of +62 indicates they outscore opponents by an average of 4.8 points per game. The Nittany Lions will need to improve their three-point shooting, as they connect on only 7.4 triples per game compared to the 9.1 three-pointers by their adversaries.
This matchup holds significant implications for both teams as Big Ten play continues. Illinois will look to maintain their momentum, while Penn State is vying to turn around their season amidst a challenging conference schedule. With both teams showcasing talented rosters, fans can expect an exciting and competitive outing at the Palestra.